Intel Core i5-11400 vs Intel Core i9-12900K
38.6Single-core72.2
36.5Multi-core70.4
36.7Gamingspec-based63.8
2 spec wins — Intel Core i5-1140017 spec wins — Intel Core i9-12900K
InnoReviews verdict
Intel Core i9-12900K wins this desktop processor face-off, 69.3 to 37.2, pulling ahead mainly in multi-core (+34) and single-core (+34). Intel Core i5-11400 still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i5-11400
- 48% lower Base TDP: 65 W vs 125 W
- Has Cooler included — the other doesn't
- Lower launch price: $182 vs $648
Reasons to pick the Intel Core i9-12900K
- Stronger single-core score: 72 vs 39
- Stronger multi-core score: 70 vs 37
- 367% higher L2 cache: 14 MB vs 3 MB
- 177% higher Geekbench 6 (multi): 17,450 vs 6,300
- 167% higher cores: 16 vs 6
General
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11400 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021 | 2021 |
| Socket | LGA1200 | LGA1700 |
| Process | 14 nm | 10 nm+29% |
| Base TDP | 65 W+48% | 125 W |
| Max turbo power | 154 W | 241 W+56% |
| Unlocked multiplier | No | Yes |
| Cooler included | Yes | No |
Cores & Clocks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11400 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 16+167% |
| Performance cores | 6 | 8+33% |
| Efficiency cores | 0 | 8 |
| Threads | 12 | 24+100% |
| Base clock | 2.6 GHz | 3.2 GHz+23% |
| Boost clock | 4.4 GHz | 5.2 GHz+18% |
| L2 cache | 3 MB | 14 MB+367% |
| L3 cache | 12 MB | 30 MB+150% |
Integrated GPU
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11400 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 730 | Intel UHD Graphics 770 |
| iGPU clock | 1,300 MHz | 1,550 MHz |
Memory
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11400 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Memory support | DDR4-3200 | DDR5-4800 / DDR4-3200 |
| Max memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
Platform
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11400 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| PCIe version | 4 | 5+25% |
| CPU PCIe lanes | 20 | 20 |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Intel Core i5-11400 | Intel Core i9-12900K |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | 1,560Bottom 34% | 2,715+74%Top 32% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | 6,300Bottom 29% | 17,450+177%Top 24% |
| Cinebench R23 (single) | 1,330Bottom 37% | 1,903+43%Top 30% |
| Cinebench R23 (multi) | 10,200Bottom 37% | 26,229+157%Top 19% |
| PassMark | 17,000Bottom 29% | 41,103+142%Top 24% |
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